Two headlines each contrary caught my eye. Ramkrisna Dhavalikar complaining about many retirees and no replacements and Elvis Gomes stating “Too many grandfathers still continue to be in service,” pointing to extensions granted and other illegalities. Actually this should be a time to implement what I think the 5th Pay Commision recommended, namely downsizing of staff!
It is understood that a high-powered, inter-departmental committee has been carrying out an assessment of manpower requirements in each department headed by the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and they could clear only 1,200 posts! The departments seem to be definitely overstaffed with the wrong people due to politically-colored appointments, extensions, etc.
If the government is serious about staffing their departments with competent and efficient staff, there has to be a work study done by professionals for each department, preferably not prejudiced bureaucrats. The load of pensions, leave and policy transfers must also be a feature together with a policy for a lean and mean work ethic to have smart departments in smart cities for smart people? I do not see any such administrative reforms in public interest.
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
